Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. By combining lean protein with nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and zesty taco seasoning, you get a healthy dinner that tastes indulgent thanks to a generous layer of melted cheddar. With tender diced potatoes, juicy seasoned turkey, and a bubbling cheese topping, this dish is a versatile favorite that works great as a taco filling or a salad topper.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled (optional) and diced small
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 package (approx. 1 oz) low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Water (approx. 2 tablespoons, if needed for seasoning)
Instructions
Cook the Turkey
In a large skillet (ensure it has a lid) over medium-high heat, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
Set Turkey Aside
Remove the cooked turkey from the skillet onto a plate and set aside.
Cook Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and small diced sweet potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to coat in the oil.
Steam Potatoes
Cover the skillet with the lid and reduce heat to low-medium. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender.
Combine and Season
Once the potatoes are soft, return the cooked turkey to the skillet. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Stir well to combine. Note: If the mixture looks dry, add about 2 tablespoons of water to help the seasoning coat everything evenly.
Melt Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Option A (Stovetop)
Cover with the lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes until melted.
Option B (Oven)
If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Serve hot. It pairs beautifully over a bed of lettuce topped with salsa, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and guacamole.
Notes
Dice Size Matters: Cut your sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2-inch or smaller). If the chunks are too large, they will take too long to cook and may remain hard in the center while the onions burn.
Don’t Skip the Lid: The lid traps steam, which is essential for softening the dense sweet potatoes quickly without needing to boil them separately.
Sticking Prevention: Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars that can caramelize and stick to the pan. Stir every few minutes during the steaming step.
Versatility: This mixture is fantastic for meal prep. It can be used in tacos, burritos, over rice, or even as a breakfast hash topped with a fried egg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Mexican-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: ground turkey recipes, sweet potato skillet, healthy taco skillet, one pan meals, gluten free dinner, meal prep ideas, turkey taco recipe